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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 12 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 3/4/2007 |
| I wonder if Aragorn errs in making the Umbarians wait…the longer they hang around, the more trouble they can get into, methinks… Author Reply: They CAN be a troubling lot--on that we are agreed. But they are about to learn not to underestimate Hobbits in a manner they couldn't have anticipated. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/21/2005 |
| ( The five of them looked from one to the other with uncertainty and discomfort. The idea of having sufficient power within oneself to withstand the desire to use the power inherent in Sauron’s Ring was a new one, and all were uncertain they’d wish to meet with the Ringbearer alone.) They may not know everything yet, but they certainly have this much figured out. I wonder what their next move will be but I do have to work tomorrow and so I will have to stop here for tonight as much as I hate to do so. I will be back to read more. Author Reply: They are starting to figure it out, but are misinterpreting some of the information given them. What they will learn in the end will surprise them, I think. Hurry back! | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/13/2005 |
| I have some catching up to do. Again it's interesting to see things through the eyes of these visitors. They seem a bit paranoid, but not without justification. I am amazed at the details you have thought through concerning Aragorn's new responsibilities. ~TF Author Reply: So glad you appreciate the details being fit into the story. I find this is one area that has always intrigued me, showing how things would be done. As for those from Umbar--they are paranoid both because of this unprecedented situation as well as because, being descended from those who chose the darker ways, this is the natural way of life for them, the mindset they've lived with all their lives. Glad to see you catching up, TithenFeredir. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/11/2005 |
| Glad that Aragorn is making them wait. Wasnior and his people may be up to no good. Looks like right now they are collecting information. Hope the guards keep a close eye on them. Author Reply: I think their main purpose for being in Gondor right now is to get information, so I agree--Aragorn does well to make these folks wait. Umbar has been a thorn in the side of Gondor for far too long, I suspect, and as Aragorn has every reason to mistrust them. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/11/2005 |
| Priceless! The Umbarians think Frodo is a great and powerful sorcerer! Of course they cannot imagine that his power was in his very smallness and innocence. I liked the clever way in which they all, in their various ways, tried to find out what had happened. And I love the way Aragorn is forcing them to cool their heels for a while. He's really good at diplomacy. Author Reply: Well, of course the folk from Umbar have no idea what Hobbits can or can't do; but they're going to learn. And of course now that they can mingle a bit they'll do their best to find out what the new order is about and what is known of the lost fleet. And they KNOW Aragorn is keeping them waiting purposely and that they'd do the same to him were the situation reversed. Anyway, so glad you appreciate this chapter. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/11/2005 |
| The Umbarians were thrown out of the feast hall politely, but firmly *grin* And now they have to wait some days to meet Aragorn? That and the guards has put them in their place quite obviously. And they have some news to ponder, knowing how they lost their fleet - although I would argue the sorcery and dread spell, army of the death or no! - and all that what they've learned during the feast. Frodo as a great magician, LOL! Can't wait for the next chapters! Author Reply: People do tend others by the standards they themselves use; and as they would have had to use spells and sorceries to achieve such ends, of COURSE they think the new King and his followers did. And yes, the idea of Frodo as a dread sorceror is hilarious to us, but what are those who are lacking in all knowledge going to understand this? Thanks for the response. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/11/2005 |
| Well of course their movements and discussions will be heard, seen and noted. Aragorn is no fool. I enjoyed this piecing together of information even if the picture it makes is still skewed in its perspective. We often force the facts to fit our own viewpoint and understanding instead of changing those in view of the facts. I am almost glad that they are afraid to meet Frodo, not least for Frodo's sake at the moment. I thought the assessment of the hobbits was great! Author Reply: So glad you appreciate all this, Harrowcat. And we do tend to filter what we learn through our own expectations. They will learn, but it may take some time. Although a concern about Frodo's potential abilities does indeed help protect him now, I agree. Thanks so much for the feedback. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/11/2005 |
| Ah...The old trick of finding a noble lady of the land and discreetly through the use of only just arriving find out exactly what they wanted to know. Only, they don't have the entire story. Not yet anyway. I loved this though... "The five of them looked from one to the other with uncertainty and discomfort. The idea of having sufficient power within oneself to withstand the desire to use the power inherent in Sauron’s Ring was a new one, and all were uncertain they’d wish to meet with the Ringbearer alone." Poor Frodo...He wouldn't be able to end think of defending himself if attacked right now he's so weak and here these think he's an all powerful being. In his own way he is too. All who come to know Frodo do fall under his spell, but not the kind Wasnior and his men think. And as worthy Aragorn's reasons for not meeting w/the embassy of Umbar, they are excuses to wait and watch. To say these four men will be watched is a grave, grave understatement. Am I being too hopeful in the thought that Pippin might be called to guard the Umbarians? Hmmm....Please? :oD That could turn some of their beliefs on their head in an instant. Looking forward to seeing where you take us next Larner. :o) Author Reply: Oh, good to hear from you, Tigger. Hope this means you are feeling better. Yes, speaking to one of the ladies of the realm, particularly one with the reputation of being somewhat garrulous, has been a handy tactic for finding out news for quite the history of mankind, I suspect. So they're getting news, but perhaps not as much as they'd like. And you are right--such an estimation of Frodo would serve to his defense for the time; how long before they become totally disabused, of course, would be questionable. As for Pippin being one of those to guard the Umbarians--I'll consider it. Interesting thought.... Good to hear from you. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/10/2005 |
| Well, Wasnior and his people found out what they needed to know... at least most of it just by asking around. I am sure they weren't too happy to find out that their ships had been taken by the King himself! :) And to be afraid of Frodo... though I suspect you would be if you found out that he had destroyed Sauron's Ring and didn't know any of the other details. I love how Aragorn left them cooling their heels and gave them such 'freedom' to wander the 6th circle. :) They'll be in a wonderful mood by the time he is ready to speak with them - not that he will be greatly concerned about that! Author Reply: Yes, you have it there in a nice summation, Radbooks. Here we have five from Umbar who are just beginning to understand that the new situation in Gondor may not be as much to their advantage as has been true the last few years. And Aragorn is going to have an eye kept on them indeed. Meanwhile they are pretty much stuck, once they test the watch kept on them. Naturally they'll try that, you know. And I love to think of them confused as to what to make of the King's companions. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/10/2005 |
| I'd never before thought events must look from the other side and like this fresh interpretation.It must indeed seem like some sort of magic ! Author Reply: So glad you approve, Linda. Yes, understanding what has happened and how it has come to be would be very confusing to those from Umbar, and of course they'd think in terms of spells and such. Thanks for the response. | |